The definition of a role model, according to Dictionary.com, is someone whose actions or successes can be emulated by others who find their actions or successes inspiring. Growing up, I was told that I could be anything I wanted to be, as long as I did it with all the love and passion I could possibly have. I went through many role models throughout my life that all had careers in the music industry because 7-year-old me swore with everything in her heart that I was going to make it big in the music industry.
One day while sitting in my room watching Disney Channel, an original movie premiered, “Camp Rock,” and my entire life changed from that moment on. I initially started to watch the movie because of the Jonas Brothers, because let’s be honest here, who wasn’t in love with Nick’s baby face, Joe’s sassy attitude, and Kevin’s amazing guitar skills? However, what got me hooked on watching the movie multiple times, even to this day, was Demi Lovato. From that moment forward, if it had to do with Demi Lovato, I cared about it.
Over the years, the love and inspiration I feel for and from Demi only grew with every song or magazine article. Her music makes me feel like I’m not alone and that I can conquer anything I’m going through. In 2011, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was admitted into a rehabilitation center in August of that same year. I remember, as cliché as this may sound, being there for her as she had been for me. She was there for me through a terrible breakup that took me forever to get over, when I had a car accident that shook my family, for graduation, college, mental breakdowns, and the happiest moments of my life.
She has conquered her past and stands up for women and girls everywhere with and without mental illness. She’s put in so much effort into working with organizations, such as Be Vocal, an organization that help empower young adults across the United States that are living with a mental health condition. Alongside Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the JED Foundation, Mental Health America, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, and The National Council for Behavioral Health, Speak Up encourages people to become activists in their community for themselves and anyone else trying to cope with strains on his/her mental health.
Demi Lovato is my role model because she inspires me to work with individuals who don’t know how to seek the help they need. She speaks about her issues because she believes there is nothing to be ashamed of. What she has gone through is what helped shape who she is today. I’ve accepted my past and the issues I’ve gone through, and I’ve come to accept them, love them, and understand that they are a part of me and who I have become. Her success and aspirations inspire me to do bigger and better things in life and to hopefully, one day, have someone out there look up to me the way that I look up to her.
